“Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope.” (Lamentations 3:21)
Read Lamentations 3:19-26 for context.
When a chess master looks at the board, they don’t see pieces. They see patterns, formations, possibilities, an unfolding story. The difference isn’t sight. It’s understanding; the big picture. Years of experience have trained their eyes to see how each move connects to the whole.
In our limit of wisdom and experience, we often view things without understanding, but not God. He sees more. He sees it all together. And He’s a master of life. So in turn, He gives us the opportunity to learn from Him and trust Him and develop His view and wisdom. That’s what faith does.
Faith learns to see what God sees. Not just the pieces, the picture. Not just the pain, the purpose. Not just the loss, the line that leads to redemption.
Jeremiah was surrounded by ruin, but he saw more than rubble. He remembered mercy. He recalled that the same God who allowed the fall would also bring restoration. And so he called it to mind and hope returned.
You can do the same. When your board looks broken, remember God sees the whole game. He knows every move, every misstep, every miracle in motion. And through Christ, He’s already declared checkmate on sin and death. So when you can’t make sense of the moment, trust the Master’s plan. Call it to mind and hope again.
Let’s stop several times during the day and come before God asking:
Prayer
Lord, teach me to see things through Your eyes. When I only see fragments, show me Your formation. Let me see people whom You love. Help me not start with an agenda of politics, financial power, religious denominations, skin color, races, tribes and languages. Let me first see the people, the hurt, the brokenness of hate, racism, war, disease, famine, human trafficking, addictions, etc. When I lose track of the pieces, remind me that You are the one who holds the game plan. Help me to trust that every move leads toward mercy. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
